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Long story....

First things first. Self-confessed worry-wart with a serious fear of all things dental. I had a root canal done on tooth 12 about two years ago. I went to my regular dentist who evaluated the temporary filling and said it looked ok to last a few months until my insurance benefits rolled over for the new year. In between then and now I managed to dislocate my knee and have my gallbladder removed. Needless to say, the tooth still remains unfinished.

Yesterday, the tooth broke. There is virtually nothing left at the gum line at the back. I'm worried as I absolutely cannot afford dental work at this point but I keep reading these horror stories about bone infections. I can get the tooth pulled at tax time, but I'm completely terrified that I'm putting my health at significant risk. Can anyone tell me realistically what the risks of developing a jawbone infection are and, if it did happen, would pulling the tooth and antibiotics likely take care of it?

Thank you for any information.

Hi Lynnlee,

I understand that you are frightened and concerned about the potential what ifs. The truth of the matter is that the root canaled tooth is infected simply because an rc procedure does not cure the original infection in the tooth. The procedure is done in an attempt to retain (not cure) an unhealthy tooth for an uncertain amount of time. The fact that this tooth broke off so severely to the gum line also clearly indicates that the tooth is very sick. Infected teeth can cause a person to become unwell as the bacteria does travel in the bloodstream. So it not wise to wait to have this tooth removed as that would likely lead to an abscess. Having another filling placed on this tooth or a crown or taking antibiotics ... will not favorably alter the status of the infection and problems will ensue.

I know it's scary to think of having it removed, but the tooth is really sick and it will be easier to do that now than when the infection becomes worse. If your dental insurance kicks in in January, make an appointment now with an oral surgeon (not a general dentist) to have it removed the first week if you can. An oral surgeon may be a bit more expensive but they deal with root canaled and broken teeth all the time and will have an easier time getting it out than a general dentist.

I wish I could have delivered better news..... I hope you can follow through.. and please know that you will be okay.

Bryanna